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Bupropion Review – 4 Things You May Not Know

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | What's Inside? | Cost | Conclusion

Bupropion is advertised as an effective antidepressant and as a product that can help individuals to stop smoking. Consumers should be aware that this product is being prescribed for smoking cessation aid under Zyban’s brand name.

As an antidepressant, the FDA has approved it and marketed under the brand name Wellbutrin (produced by GlaxoSmithKline since 1989).

GlaxoSmithKline is a pharmaceutical company with headquarters in the United States and Canada.

Unfortunately, this is one of the most expensive products of its type available on the market. Besides the ridiculous price, Bupropion has been associated with some severe side effects, including irritable or aggressive behaviors, depression, and thoughts of suicide.

This medication is available by prescription only. Very close supervision is recommended for those who are taking this drug.

What’s Inside?

1) What’s Inside Bupropion?

Bupropion includes the following ingredients: Bupropion Hydrochloride.

2) What Does Bupropion Do?

The exact way in which this formula works is still not known. Still, it may affect neurochemical pathways in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine.

While Bupropion’s effectiveness in treating the primary depressive conditions continues to be researched, it is believed this drug acts as both a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and a dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

As we have stated above, this drug has been FDA approved since 1989. More recently, Bupropion has shown some positive results in treating ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) in children and young adults. However, this drug was associated with some severe side effects, including a significant risk of seizures.

The recommended dose is one pill every six hours. It is strongly recommended to take this medication with food to reduce the possibility of nausea or vomiting.

The actual amount of this medication depends on the severity of the problem. Typically, the lowest possible dose will be prescribed. Then it can be increased if necessary.

This medication has been known to cause drowsiness in some people. As a result, it isn’t recommended to drive a vehicle or operate machinery until you know how it will affect you personally.

Other common side effects that have been reported with the use of Bupropion include excitability, dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, shaking, changes in weight, and sweating more than usual.

Cost

3) How Much Does Bupropion Cost?

Bupropion is extremely expensive. Since this is an optional type of medication, most health insurance programs and prescription plans won’t cover its cost.

If you can’t afford it, there may be cheaper alternatives, but you should first consult your doctor.

Conclusion

4) Conclusion

Although this was a long researched problem, specialists still don’t fully understand what causes depression or how to “cure” it.

Fortunately, mild to moderate clinical depression symptoms can be eased using any combination of traditional and unconventional techniques, such as prescription medication, a change in diet, behavioral therapy, and even natural supplements that can be used with good results in many consumers.

Bupropion may be efficient, and it has received the FDA approval since 1989. However, before taking this drug, a user must be well aware of all the risks involved. This is a prescription medication, it is costly, and it has been associated with some severe side effects.

It is strongly recommended to consult with your doctor before taking this drug. In less severe cases, cheaper and safer alternatives may be available.

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